Dr. Swati Nayak, a scientist from Odisha, is set to receive the prestigious Norman Borlaug Field Award in 2023. The World Food Prize Foundation announced her as the recipient during New York Climate Week, recognizing her exceptional contributions to food and nutrition security, hunger eradication, and sustainable agriculture. Dr. Nayak, currently serving as the South Asia Regional Lead for Seed System and Product Management at CGIAR-International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), is lauded for her championing of inclusive agricultural extension and technology transfer. She emphasizes sustainable agricultural technologies and enterprise development, bridging the gap between scientific advancements and farmers’ fields. Dr. Nayak’s leadership in participatory field research and extension models has earned her acclaim and inspired others, especially women, to follow her lead.

This achievement marks a proud moment for Odisha, as Dr. Nayak becomes the third Indian and the first from Odisha to receive this esteemed award. Her work contributes to resilience against climate change, with climate-resilient rice varieties successfully deployed in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Dr. Nayak’s advocacy has seen a significant expansion of promising rice varieties and regional collaboration. She has played an instrumental role in the “Seed Without Borders” policy agreement, facilitating the dissemination of modern rice varieties across South and Southeast Asia. Dr. Nayak’s dedication and contributions continue to make a profound impact on agriculture and food security.